When we went through the atlanta airport on the way to zim there was a plane load of our troops on the way to Iraq. I made a point to thank every one of them I saw and wish them good luck. The reply that usually came was " thank you for caring" 35 years ago when it was my turn to come through airports we would run into the nearest bathroom and change out of uniform, because people were so vile. It really means alot to these guys to have a total stranger come up and thank them for serving. So when you're going on your trips, and see someone in uniform, Please stop and thank them.

Good idea, Butch, well done and thanks for setting such a positive example.

Another thought...Recently while sitting in the Atlanta airport a troop (In uniform) asked if I knew where there was a phone. I handed him my cell phone and told him to call whom ever he needed to. On another occasion I noticed a troop fishing for change in front of a pay phone and did the same thing. Keep your eyes open, there are opportunities to help these folks and, in my opinion, they've earned it.

I give up my 1st class seat to wounded uniforms I see and fly coach. Why? I remember being spit on in JFK returning on crutches from 'Nam. And hearing "shame they didn't blow off your ba!!s"

To you guys that served in Viet Nam, I am truly sorry as an American that some of my countrymen are jerks and a$$holes. Thank you for your service. Most of us did appreciate it.

Hey guys, as a still serving memberof the armed forces, I remember coming home from the first Gulf War and more recently from Afghanistan in 2002 and receiving the same kind of great treatment from all of you. Even today when I still travel in uniform, I get the same accolades. You guys have no idead what a morale booster that is! Please DO keep this up it does wonders and I thank you. jorge

Butch,

I was in the Navy '69-'72. The phrase I remember most from those times Stateside was "F--- You Swabbie". Didn't make one feel too appreciated.

Good job with wishing the boys well!

Regards,

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by butchloc:
When we went through the atlanta airport on the way to zim there was a plane load of our troops on the way to Iraq. I made a point to thank every one of them I saw and wish them good luck. The reply that usually came was " thank you for caring" 35 years ago when it was my turn to come through airports we would run into the nearest bathroom and change out of uniform, because people were so vile. It really means alot to these guys to have a total stranger come up and thank them for serving. So when you're going on your trips, and see someone in uniform, Please stop and thank them.

My hat is off to you sir!!!

Butchloc

Great post and a much needed reminder to aknowledge what our troops are doing for us.

stubble

I am going to use your idea with the cell phone that's great.

I too am ashamed how many of you were treated after Viet Nam, another case of the silent majority being too damned silent.

Thanks to all of you who have served your country and God Bless.

CFA

I remember that I got choked up watching the Super Bowl commercial with the troops walking through the airport.

If ya'll will allow a cheap plug, you can help in other ways to boost the moral of the guys and girls in harms way. Go to www.freedompens.org and make a small donation. They can take a $2.00 donation and get a handmade wooden writing pen made and put in the hands of a soldier in Iraq. I was heavily involved in the program last year and it is legitimate. In the past 14 months, they have shipped over 37,000 pens.

Even one of our own on this board received one!

Thanks!

JDS

I volunteered for the CRAFT program at the onset of the war. Civilian Resereve Auxiluary Fleet.

We are airline pilots flying airliners which have been designated as troop haulers, and haul US troops into and out of war zones from military bases all over the world. We are given a geneva card in case of capture.

I was never in the military and this has been a very eye opening experience for me. I am always impressed at the quality of men and women our country produces. And I thank these poeple whenever I see them. I also try and arrainge first class seating whenever possible on regular flights for uniformed personale.I'll also buy them a drink if they are old enough. (think about that for second.)

It's been a real eye opener as to the quality of our American men and women in uniform.

When I see all those bright young faces on board a CRAFT flight headed overseas the pride I have for these people is beyond explanation. I'd like to just thank each and every one of you for your service present, past and future.

Respectfully

Greg Allyn

quote:

I remember being spit on in JFK returning on crutches from 'Nam. And hearing "shame they didn't blow off your ba!!s"

I wasn't on crutches, but got spit on coming back through 'Frisco nonetheless. Yes, I wished I had civies to change into. I chalked it up to the intense anti-war attitude of late '60s 'Frisco. It was really hard to take getting cursed out in my hometown airport. I didn't expect that. And now all these years later I keep wondering why all those people were disrespectful to me, yet I have never seen or heard of today's fighting forces getting the same treatment. I wasn't drafted, I even volunteered to go to Nam. So why were we treated badly yet all those who serve now, no matter what the level of danger, are treated as heroes? Iraq isn't that much different than Viet Nam.

I didn't get to interact with any of the troops in uniform while going or coming through Atlanta last August. The only ones I saw were walking across the tarmac boarding planes on their way home. If from Iraq or Afghanistan, I don't know.

Butch, great gesture on your part. Thank you, from all vets.

Another great way to show your appreciation is through http://www.booksforsoldiers.com

It's a great way to help our troops.

Pete

butchc,

Ditto when returning from Zim last summer I walked the airport...Introducing myself as the mayor of Wyoming,Pa. and shook hands and thanked them...Whole heartedly...Know first hand my son in law was attached to he 10th mountain Division in Afghan...
I was and still am a very proud American..

Mike